Ayahuasca

Explore Costa Rica Ayahuasca's Transformative Potential with Care, Intention, and Integrity

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"I have suffered and caused many emotional traumas, many physical traumas, and brain injury. I have tried many different options, but none have even come close to the healing and forgiveness I have received [from Ayahuasca] at Ananda."

Gary, Ahahuasca
February, 2025

What's it like to take Ayahuasca?

At Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, Ayahuasca is not just a medicine, it’s a prism. When taken in the right setting, it illuminates the deeper truths we’ve kept in the dark, allowing light to reach the shadowed corners of the self.

Many guests describe it as a profound emotional reset: intense, challenging, beautiful. It usually 30-60 minutes for its effects to take hold, and immersions usually last between 4-6 hours.

At Ananda Lodge, your journey is held in a space of trauma-informed care, safety, and attunement.

Our team gently guides you before, during, and after your ceremony so that you can surrender with confidence.

You may feel purging, shaking, visions, or deep emotional release — all part of the process of illumination

Shipibo ayahuasca healer leading an ceremony in Costa Rica, preserving indigenous traditions in a safe and sacred space
Traditional Shipibo ayahuasca brew being prepared at a Costa Rica ayahuasca retreat, using sacred Amazonian methods

Where does Costa Rica Ayahuasca come from?

It’s not really Costa Rica Ayahuasca; We source it from the amazon and prepare it in a traditional Shipibo style: A potent psychoactive brew prepared by combining two plants.

Banisteriopsis caapi vine (Ayahuasca Vine) and the Psychotria Viridis (Chacruna) leaves containing DMT.

The vine enables the DMT in the leaves to become orally active, creating a synergistic and visionary experience. The mixture simmers for hours until it thickens into the ceremonial medicine.

This is how we produce the tea at our ceremonies. We work exclusively with medicine made in traditional ways, by trusted Indigenous stewards. 

"Words cannot express how incredible and unique this place is. I have sat with Ayahuasca before but nothing compares to sitting with the Shipibo lineage. The icaros are soo incredible and healing."
Scott, Ahahuasca
February, 2025

Ayahuasca's Indigenous History

Ayahuasca is not new. It’s ancient — a medicine that has shaped the spiritual worldview of Amazonian cultures for centuries.

The word ayahuasca comes from Quechua: aya (spirit) and huasca (vine). Its use is central in origin stories, ceremonial songs, and healing traditions across Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.

Indigenous activist Daiara Tukano writes, “This sacred medicine has been the source of our knowledge, identity, and culture since the creation of the first person.”

At Ananda Lodge, we honor these roots. We hold space in deep respect for the lineages who have preserved this vine of light. While our setting is Costa Rica, our approach is one of reverence. Let us share more about how we work in alignment with these traditions.

Book a 30-minute discovery call with our team

Shipibo ayahuasca healers in Costa Rica offering ancestral wisdom and spiritual guidance through plant medicine rituals
Costa Rica ayahuasca retreat center surrounded by tropical nature, offering traditional Shipibo plant medicine ceremonies

Your Costa Rica Ayahuasca Experience

At Ananda Lodge

  • Shipibo Healers will guide you
  • 3 Ceremonies in a week for maximum internal discovery 
  • A safe and comfortable setting. In the Costa Rican jungle, with professionals, luxury amenities, ocean views, and meals from professional chefs. 
  • Prep work will help you get the most out of the medicine ceremonies.
  • Integration work will help carry the lessons the medicine teaches you into your life.

Is Ayahuasca Right for You?

Don’t just take our word for it; Ayahuasca can offer positive experiences, but it’s powerful and can be potentially challenging.

Please use it in a safe setting with experienced facilitators. It is not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical or psychological conditions.

Here are a few things to think about:

Physical Health

Participants with a history of heart problems, liver conditions, or other serious medical issues should inform facilitators and consult their healthcare provider.

Pregnancy: There is no available safety data on Ayahuasca use in pregnant women. Pregnant individuals are advised to exercise caution and consult with healthcare providers before considering participation.

Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of severe mental health issues should consult with a healthcare professional before using Ayahuasca.

Emotional Intensity: The experience can be emotionally intense and may bring up challenging memories or feelings.

Certain medications may interact with Ayahuasca, including
antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications for heart conditions. It is crucial to disclose all medications during the screening process.

Serotonin Syndrome Risk: Ayahuasca’s potential to increase serotonin levels necessitates caution when combining it with serotonin-boosting medications (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs), as this may lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially
life-threatening condition.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Ayahuasca contains MAOIs, and participants must avoid tyramine-rich foods and substances to prevent dangerous interactions.

Guest meditating during a Costa Rica ayahuasca retreat, preparing for a Shipibo-guided ceremony in the rainforest

Let's Talk About It

Book a 30-minute discovery call with our team.

Discover Ayahuasca

Read the sacred story of Ayahuasca and its healing wisdom, transformative effects, and ancient origins.

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